The Idol

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Synopsis

Fresno Filmworks presents the Palestinian drama “The Idol,” inspired by the incredible true story of a Gaza refugee who won the hearts of an entire region in 2013 when he won the Arab world’s version of American Idol. The movie follows the dream of Mohammad Assaf, a popular wedding singer whose band plays on second-hand, beat-up instruments but whose ambitions are to someday play the world famous Cairo Opera Hall. On his unlikely journey against impossible odds, Mohammed retains hope that his voice will transcend the pain that surrounds him and bring joy to others. Although the borders are closed, he finds a way to reach the Arab Idol auditions in Cairo and make it in front of the judges. From there, destiny awaits. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad, who also directed “Omar” (2013) and “Paradise Now” (2005). In Arabic, with English subtitles.

Reviews

"A simply told but thoroughly captivating portrait of Mohammad Assaf, the Gazan singer who won Arab Idol at age 23 and became an irresistible symbol of hope for Palestinians worldwide, the movie benefits from Hany Abu-Assad’s natural talent for building suspense and rhythm."
— Justin Chang,
Variety

"In its broad strokes, ‘The Idol’ may seem like a familiar a-star-is-born tale, but at just about every turn Hany Abu-Assad transcends that simplicity for a more moving, complex examination of what Mohammad Assaf had to go through to even enter the competition — and what the idea of ‘winning’ means for someone faced with daily oppression."
— Tim Grierson,
Screen Daily

"A simply told but thoroughly captivating portrait of Mohammad Assaf, the Gazan singer who won Arab Idol at age 23 and became an irresistible symbol of hope for Palestinians worldwide, the movie benefits from Hany Abu-Assad’s natural talent for building suspense and rhythm."
— Justin Chang,
Variety

"In its broad strokes, ‘The Idol’ may seem like a familiar a-star-is-born tale, but at just about every turn Hany Abu-Assad transcends that simplicity for a more moving, complex examination of what Mohammad Assaf had to go through to even enter the competition — and what the idea of ‘winning’ means for someone faced with daily oppression."
— Tim Grierson,
Screen Daily